The Argentine Air Force has officially relaunched the FAS 850 Dardo 3 glide bomb project, which was previously suspended, in collaboration with the Applied Research Center (CIA) of the General Directorate of Research and Development (DGID) and the Flight Test Center (CEV). This project, which had been dormant for a decade, has now been revived with flight tests using a prototype of the Pampa III (registration EX-03) light attack aircraft. The aircraft conducted a flight with an inert bomb envelope fixed under the wing, accompanied by a container equipped with cameras to analyze its performance. These tests mark a crucial first step toward reintegrating the Dardo into the operational capabilities of the armed forces.
The objective of the tests is to assess the safe separation of inert bombs from the Pampa III by 2025, before progressing to the launch of powered bombs. This process will culminate with the integration of GPS guidance systems and explosive warheads. Historically, the Dardo has evolved since the 1980s Dardo I, a conventional bomb equipped with a rocket engine. Its successor, the Dardo II, introduced deployable wings and a GPS guidance system. Initial tests with a Mirage IIIC showed promising results, but work was interrupted several times over the years.
The Dardo system is a glide bomb developed by Argentina. It was designed by the Argentine company Fabricaciones Militares, a state-owned enterprise specializing in the production of armaments and munitions. Fabricaciones Militares is under the supervision of the Argentine Ministry of Defense and plays a key role in the development and production of military equipment for the country’s armed forces.